About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. The Internship Programme aims to attract talented young women and men who are strongly motivated to share their new perspectives, innovative ideas, and latest academic experience in FAO’s domains. The programme provides a learning opportunity to supplement academic knowledge with a practical work assignment in a field related to FAO’s work, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework for more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly stipend provided by FAO if interns are not sponsored by sending universities or other entities
Who can apply?
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme in a bona fide educational institution at the time of application, or be a recent graduate
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Must specialize in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset
- Must be nationals of FAO Members
- Aged between 21 and 30 years old
- Able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills
- Candidates who have already undertaken an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible
- Candidates with family members (mother, father, sister, or brother) employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible
- Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining the Organization
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Evidence of attendance in a recognized university or copy of academic qualifications
When to apply
- Job posted on 24/Jan/2026
- Closure date: 25/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile with employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation and evidence of university attendance or academic qualifications to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Special encouragement is given to candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students or recent graduates in fields relevant to FAO's mission.
- Nationals of FAO Member countries aged 21-30.
- Those with working knowledge of one or more FAO languages.
What should you think carefully about?
- Lacks a specific work mode (on-site vs remote), though it is listed as on-site in some fields; candidates should verify the exact location.
- Strict age limit of 21 to 30 years old.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This allows young professionals to gain hands-on experience in the UN system and contribute to innovative ideas for sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.
Our take
A strong fit for students and recent graduates in Africa seeking a paid internship to gain experience in agri-food systems.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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